Do you ever get so into a song that you begin to visualize it? These sketchbooks are an intense mix of music, writing, and drawing all coming together to make something awesome. The artist is CaliDoso, a self-described quote freak whose imagination catches fire when the right words at the right time click into place.

One of my favorite things about our coloring books is looking up the artist of a page I really like, because I usually end up falling straight down their rabbit hole. For example, Ellen Leber's atmospheric illustrations contain a depth that sucks me right into her world, especially since they are sometimes actually three dimensional.

Today I want to introduce (to those who may not be acquainted) the art and music of Daniel Johnston. I was first introduced to his music and then subsequently his artwork when I was a teenager through the soundtrack to the movie KIDS. I immediately fell in love with his music and art. Later I moved to Austin, Texas a place where Daniel used to live. In the center of the city there is a big mural of one of his characters that is now iconic. A frog looking creature with snail like eyes that states Hi, How Are You. It now adorns t-shirts for the city of Austin and is almost like a mascot for the city. So you can kind of say he is a home town hero of mine.

A manic depressive and schizophrenic both his music and art are filled with emotion and with his work you get a direct look into his mind. His art is so pure and child like. Resonating with me in a way few artists have. One of my biggest influences and inspirations, his obvious passion and drive for his work are something that really struck a chord with me. I admire anyone with such drive. Despite any obstacles he has, he has been unrelenting in his pursuit and love of art. I hope you enjoy his music and artwork as much as I do and can draw inspiration from him. I highly advise checking out the documentary about his life The Devil and Daniel Johnston. Read on »

Here's Meera explaining more about her show... "As I tend to do when a certain piece of music or art strikes my interest, I listened to the album exclusively while creating these works, replaying it about thirty times. These works are infused with Newsom's unusual understanding of the world and my desire to find beauty in everything around me -- in sadness, nature, among complicated and messy terrains."

The show will be hanging in Brooklyn until the end of November. The original pieces can be purchased by emailing Meera direct, and she'll have prints for sale in her Etsy shop.

100 students drew the 3,000 frames for this video. The montage of starkly different styles, techniques, and visions mesh so beautifully, so compellingly. This is collaboration at its best. Sometimes 100 heads are better than 1. Sit back and enjoy.

If you are like me you often create late into the night accompanied by music you can get lost in and let your hands go free. I think it would be impossible for me to create without these soundscapes becoming soundtracks to each line I draw, each thought I have, each revelation and with every finished creation. Continue reading »